Protecting Our Martian Legacy

As humanity sets its sights on the stars, experts are calling for the preservation of our first robotic footprints on Mars. Just as archaeologists today treasure remnants of ancient civilizations, future archaeologists could very well uncover the iconic rovers and landing sites that represent our initial explorations of the Red Planet.

In a recent publication in the journal *Nature Astronomy*, researchers led by Justin Holcomb from the University of Kansas emphasize the importance of safeguarding not only the rovers but also landing sites and the debris left behind by human endeavors on Mars. “These artifacts are a material record of our species’ first steps across our solar system,” Holcomb stated, highlighting the significance of every track and discarded piece of equipment as historical artifacts for future generations.

Concerns are being raised regarding the potential risks posed to these Martian sites from natural events like weathering and meteoroid impacts, alongside human activities from future missions that may inadvertently damage them. “We don’t need specific missions solely for preservation. Instead, we should design future endeavors to minimize any harm to prior explorations,” Holcomb noted.

Despite some materials on Mars being viewed as potential 'space trash' that could endanger both the Martian environment and future missions, the researchers argue that preserving these items is essential. They hold that these remnants encapsulate the rich legacy of human space exploration.

Historically, what was once considered trash often transforms into priceless treasure for future archaeologists. Today, we excavate middens, or trash heaps, created by our ancestors, which provide vital insights into their lives. Similarly, just as humankind left its origins in Africa, we are currently embarking on the journey of leaving Earth, with each event marking significant milestones in our migratory story.

Holcomb asserts, “The material left behind—whether it consists of handaxes in Tanzania or rovers on Mars—is fundamentally a historical footprint. We must ensure that this legacy is accurately documented for posterity.”

While there is a register by the United Nations that tracks space objects, the mapping and systematic preservation of space heritage on Mars remain largely undeveloped. The conversation about preserving significant sites extends beyond Mars; for instance, the Apollo 11 landing site on the Moon and the USSR's Venera 7 mission to Venus are also vital pieces of our shared space history.

In 2019, Jan Worner, then-head of the European Space Agency, advocated for the Tranquility Base on the Moon to receive special heritage status, affirming, “We have to preserve milestones in all human fields, including space.”

Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, supports this notion, emphasizing the uniqueness of the robotic vehicles already on Mars and the importance of protecting these irreplaceable relics. He remarked, “While there may be replicas in museums, the originals are special.”

Yet, Rees cautioned against the preservation of every object, stating, “I’m not keen on efforts to retrieve every piece of debris on the surface, although minimizing the addition of such materials is essential to prevent pollution.”

Jon Wade, an associate professor of planetary materials at the University of Oxford, pointed out that unlike missions to Venus where items have a finite lifespan, many artifacts on the Moon and Mars are likely to endure long after humanity is gone. However, the absence of witnesses means that distinguishing between naturally occurring damage and human-caused harm in the future might be challenging.

Ultimately, Wade argues that the discourse on preserving these sites is a broader cultural issue rather than a scientific one, where diverse perspectives should be considered. “Mars, to many, is like the solar system’s worst pub—empty, cold, dry, and devoid of atmosphere, so the rush to visit is not particularly pressing,” he quipped.

As conversations continue about our Martian legacy, the urgency to act swiftly and wisely mounts. If we are to leave behind a responsibly recorded history of our explorations, the question of preservation demands immediate attention and thoughtful reflection. Will we treasure our first footsteps on a new world, or will they fade into the annals of time as mere artifacts of a once great ambition?